Dolphin Discovery Centre
Dolphin Discovery Centre
4.5
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Full view
About
We are a not for profit organization and all proceeds go towards our Conservation Program. There is no general entry fee to the Centre including our wild dolphin interaction zone, Cafe/Restaurant and Souvenir Shop. The Cafe and Restaurant is open from 7:30am - 3pm 7 days a week and offers a great range of food and refreshments. The Interpretive Centre has got an entry fee. It offers a vast exhibition about our dolphins and marine environment with aquariums, 360 degree Digital Dolphinarium, 2D and 3D movie theatre and loads of Interactive activities - we operate under session times. Our Dolphin Eco Cruise (90min) and our Dolphin Swim Tour (3 1/2 hrs) run daily from Nov-April. Our beach interaction zone where the wild dolphins come to visit is on a public beach, the wild dolphins come and go as they please, however we recommend that we see them more in the mornings than the afternoons.
Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia
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Dolphin Discovery Centre
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4.5
814 reviews
Excellent
455
Very good
232
Average
77
Poor
24
Terrible
27
ChrisWirral_England
Wirral, UK233 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Staying with family having travelled from the UK.
Came down to the visitor centre 3/4 times, all around 8.30am.
On each occasion one or two dolphins swam up to the waters edge on the beach.
So lovely to see them in the wild.
Staff at the centre are excellent.
We had breakfast on two of our visits which we found brilliant value for money.
Would definitely recommend a visit.
Came down to the visitor centre 3/4 times, all around 8.30am.
On each occasion one or two dolphins swam up to the waters edge on the beach.
So lovely to see them in the wild.
Staff at the centre are excellent.
We had breakfast on two of our visits which we found brilliant value for money.
Would definitely recommend a visit.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
37 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
The centre proposes coming to see wild dolphins at their beach; but fails to mention the most likely time of day to see them there is 07:30 to 08:30!! You are very unlikely / unlikely to see dolphins there at any other time. The centre is excellent and offers other good activities - but is remiss in its information about this particular one.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teacake_Taster
Chesterfield, UK1,053 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Nice cafe with a view of the bay and the exhibition is like an aquarium but very local. Great local sealife and some rescued bay turtles. Well worth the trip. There is a great sandy beach but didn’t see the dolphins.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cyberbob2000
Zürich420 contributions
Jan. 2023
A great morning! We enjoyed the talks with the staff and learned a lot about dolphins. We had a great breakfast, which we couldn't finish, because the bell rang and we ran out to the beach to see a dolphin from really, really close. It was unreal and unforgettable.
When you're here: Take your time and don't rush it.
When you're here: Take your time and don't rush it.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tina2003
6 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
Awesomevplace, volunteers so helpful and engaging, especially the lady at turtle tank and starfish tank.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia7,271 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
Four family members arrived for lunch, crowded cafe but managed to identify a vacant table. We enjoyed coffee while awaiting food delivery, beef burgers for the males, scone and muffin for the ladies. We enjoyed our meals.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gretandaidan
Sunshine Coast, Australia147 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Family
We visited with my 4 year old and whilst it’s not a huge place spent 2 hours there!
My daughter loved the talk about the turtle while they measured and weighed him and was able to have a photo next to him and ask questions. She loved the feeding of the octopus as well! One of the staff also bought a starfish to look under the microscope out. All the staff / volunteers was friendly and knowledgeable! We learnt lots!!
Lots of interactive things to do including colouring, unfortunately the screen wasn’t working to scan the picture in that brings there fish alive!
While in the centre they let us know there was a dolphin on the beach and we were able to go outside and see the dolphin.
We also did the boat tour to spot dolphins which was magical!
Recommend bringing a jacket with you for the boat tour!
My daughter loved the talk about the turtle while they measured and weighed him and was able to have a photo next to him and ask questions. She loved the feeding of the octopus as well! One of the staff also bought a starfish to look under the microscope out. All the staff / volunteers was friendly and knowledgeable! We learnt lots!!
Lots of interactive things to do including colouring, unfortunately the screen wasn’t working to scan the picture in that brings there fish alive!
While in the centre they let us know there was a dolphin on the beach and we were able to go outside and see the dolphin.
We also did the boat tour to spot dolphins which was magical!
Recommend bringing a jacket with you for the boat tour!
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Gret and Aidan,
Thanks for the review, we're glad you and your 4-year-old daughter enjoyed your visit to the centre, enjoying our interactive interpretive centre and also our Eco cruise!
Written 24 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Philip W
2 contributions
Mar. 2023
I am an 82 year old who is taken out twice, weekly for coffee and a snack. the coffee was ok ,but their substitute snack was indescribable in that ,I couldn't cut it with a knife, let alone eat it with my false teeth. This experience left me in a state that i definitely won't be back or recommended this premises to anyone else
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Philip,
Thanks for your feedback we are very sorry to hear that you were unsatisfied with your snack on your visit to our cafe, we will pass your comments on to the team so they can look into the menu and ensure there is always something suitable for all our guests.
Thanks again,
Written 21 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan H
12 contributions
Mar. 2023
An amazing opportunity to see wild dolphins up close and personal in their own territory with Dolphin Discovery Centre. Our guide Kathy was fantastic, full of knowledge and warm enthusiasm. She and the skipper worked really hard to maximise the opportunity for close encounters with the dolphins for all on board. I would happily recommend this tour to anyone with a love for dolphins.
What impressed me the most on this tour was the respect shown to the dolphins. Kathy took her time to assess the behaviour of the various pods, whether they were feeding, mating or with calves, before the decision was made to enter the water. Every encounter was strictly on the dolphins terms. Having said that, we were fortunate to be in the water at least four times with the dolphins, each time giving a unique and close experience. Thank you so much to all the team, including the dedicated volunteers, for a truly memorable experience. A very caring and well run tour.
What impressed me the most on this tour was the respect shown to the dolphins. Kathy took her time to assess the behaviour of the various pods, whether they were feeding, mating or with calves, before the decision was made to enter the water. Every encounter was strictly on the dolphins terms. Having said that, we were fortunate to be in the water at least four times with the dolphins, each time giving a unique and close experience. Thank you so much to all the team, including the dedicated volunteers, for a truly memorable experience. A very caring and well run tour.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jan, thanks for the great review! We're thrilled that Kathy and the team made your swim tour experience all the more enjoyable and we hope this experience stays with you forever!
Written 27 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JSDJ
2 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Couples
We recently did a tour to swim with dolphins at Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre and were totally impressed! It has always been a dream of mine to swim with dolphins, but I've always wanted to do it in a eco-conscious way that respects the dolphins and their environment (not in a pool, or touching them, or holding their fins, for example). Let me tell you! This was the perfect experience! Not only did the tour respect the dolphins habitat and space, they educated you on why certains times we would not be disrupting the dolphins (when they were feeding, being aggressive, mating or with calves). When we did get in the water to view them, we were never chasing the dolphins, they were to come to us, and with that in mind, it was amazing to have as many interactions with them as we did! We had 3 solid swims where we viewed the dolphins swimming under us, or beside us. It was beautiful, and respectful. I would recommend it highly as it is one of the highlights of not only the trip to Australia, but of my life! Thank you to Kathy, our guide, mark the skipper, and the several volunteers. Incredibly run tour!
Written 13 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Servingzero,
Thanks for your kind review, eco-tourism is so important to us and we're glad that it came across to you also and that you enjoyed our approach to wild dolphin interactions! We will pass your review onto Kathy, Mark and the team!
Written 27 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosalba S
Subiaco, Australia
If you've had bariatric surgery, can adults order from the kid's corner menu? I can't eat big meals.
220PDavis220
Bunbury, Australia98 contributions
Most likely, however it is up to the staff. I myself have had the same surgery and just takeaway what I can't finish
IntrovertLikesTravel
Hobart, Australia233 contributions
Hi. Regarding the Dolphin Interaction Zone on the beach/shore close by, do the wild local dolphins usually come or visit in the late morning, early or mid afternoon in October or November? How many tend to come close to shore?
I think the train service from Perth doesn't arrive in Bunbury until around midday or 12:30 PM.
1mikefinn
Bunbury, Australia83 contributions
Dolphins in the wild can be unpredictable - having said that though, they may be expected from early to mid morning so this is the best time.
Hi, the date that we want to visit for the cruise is sold out on the website. Will there still be tickets available for walk in guests?
DDCBunbury
Bunbury, Australia2 contributions
Our apologies for missing this question. We don't keep walk in spots for cruises if it is booked out online it is either not operating due to weather or it is booked out.
Vicki D d
Perth, Australia1 contribution
what is the price for the cruise it doesn't appear any were
DDCBunbury
Bunbury, Australia2 contributions
HI, thankyou for your question, all our tours are on our website.
But to answer your question adults are $54, conc $45, children $40 and a family (2/2) $168
You also get the option of doing the Interpretive Centre half price if you purchase a tour with too.
Sandra C
Berlin1 contribution
Hi I will be in Bunbury on sat 22 sept 2018 would it be possible to do a swim and a boat tour?? Please?
DDCBunbury
Bunbury, Australia2 contributions
Hi Sandra, we don't begin swim tours until Nov 1st. We do have Eco Cruises running still though. Our building is currently closed as we are undergoing a large redevelopment, we aren't due to reopen until Dec 2018. If you'd like to book an Eco Cruise please visit our website.
Nicg1980
Higham Ferrers, UK54 contributions
Hi I'm looking at visiting DDC in February 2019 with my 8 year old, she's a good swimmer but I'm just a little conscious of how long we would be in the water for in the Swim Encounter tour... I was just wondering how deep we would be out and for how long, obviously she can hang on to me if she tires? Do the dolphins touch you or push you? and do you offer life jackets? Basically is the swim encounter suitable for an 8 year old or should we stick to the Eco cruise as observers?
DDCBunbury
Bunbury, Australia2 contributions
Hi Nicola, yes the swim is fine for your 8 year old. We offer buoyancy devices to everyone if they are needed. We average about 3.5metres in depth. The Dolphins don't touch you. You can also get out of the water whenever you'd like. February is a great time of year though. Likewise everyone would still enjoy the Eco Cruise.
ChhaviSudip
Bengaluru, India30 contributions
Are their dolphin sightings during August at the centre through their tour or at interaction zone? What are the charges for visiting Interaction zone?
DDCBunbury
Bunbury, Australia2 contributions
Thankyou for your enquiry. Yes we have a lot of dolphins in the bay in winter. We don't see them at the beach consistently but out in the bay on an Eco Cruise we still see them. :)
JaxyBabe
45 contributions
Does anyone know the prices for concessions and student to observe the dolphins?
DDCBunbury
Bunbury, Australia2 contributions
Thanks for your enquiry. The DDC is currently closed for redevelopment we are due to open in December. We do have Eco Cruises still operational just weather dependent at this time of year.